Due to work on the high-speed line in The Netherlands, trains will not stop at the Schiphol station.

The Schiphol station can only be reached by local trains departing from Rotterdam. To reach Paris, Brussels or Antwerp, you must purchase a ticket from Rotterdam. Print then your travel confirmation to travel free between Rotterdam and Schiphol. This will be your ticket.

Due to work on the high-speed line in The Netherlands, trains will not stop at the Schiphol station.

The Schiphol station can only be reached by local trains departing from Rotterdam.
To reach Schiphol, you must then purchase a ticket to Rotterdam.
Print then your travel confirmation to travel free between Rotterdam and Schiphol. This will be your ticket.

A deal worth trying?

HE HUA

A surprise just around the corner

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Right next to the red-light district in Amsterdam's Asian neighbourhood is a building unlike any other and light years from Dutch architecture. It's the He Hua (or "lotus flower") temple, a Buddhist temple.

Come in!

Built in 2000 on the ruins of a medieval Catholic monastery, He Hua is the largest Buddhist temple in Europe built in traditional Chinese style. Its colossal entrance consists of three doors topped with statues of dragons and animals from the Chinese zodiac. It will arouse your curiosity but won’t convince you to go in. Yet, temple entrance is free (as long as you are suitably respectful). The Buddhist community that manages it is originally from Taiwan. It has a humanist bent and wants to promote a dialogue between religions. You'll receive a warm welcome!

A second helping of wisdom?

Inside, the decoration is just as brightly coloured and unsettling. The walls, ceilings and statues labour under the weight of gold and colour. You can make an offering of incense in the main temple room where the altar to Guayin, the "Mother Mary" of Buddhism has the place of honour. Next, pull one of the little messages from the basket (like a fortune cookie). You can spend the rest of your day in Amsterdam discussing the deeper meaning of the message.

If you're the curious sort, you can come for celebrations, meditation sessions, conferences, etc. You can also come on Sundays at 10:30 am to listen to the teachings of Buddha.

Laurence, 46 a cool mum

I’m the mother of two supercharged children. I’ve also been living a great love affair with Holland for the past 20 years! I’ll take you to places in Amsterdam that will make you feel good, where the products and the welcome are high quality and where, most importantly, you’ll never stress out. Ready to go?

Laurence, 46 a cool mum

I’m the mother of two supercharged children. I’ve also been living a great love affair with Holland for the past 20 years! I’ll take you to places in Amsterdam that will make you feel good, where the products and the welcome are high quality and where, most importantly, you’ll never stress out. Ready to go?